A nationwide mobile tour that travels to universities teaching students about agriculture and its effects on world hunger hosted an event at the UA on Monday.

The HungerU Tour, a project sponsored by Farmers Feeding the World, is currently on its third national tour. About 1 in 6 people suffer from hunger in the United States, according to Katharine Nye, a spokeswoman for HungerU.

“This is an issue that’s happening in our own backyard and it’s astonishing to see that many people aren’t aware of this issue,” Nye said.

Farmers Feeding the World is an initiative by The Farm Journal Foundation, which aims to give communities the resources to grow their own food, Nye said.

With the global population estimated to reach 9 billion by the year 2050, it will be more difficult for families to have access to healthier foods, Nye said.

During the HungerU event, students were given the opportunity to play games and discuss with HungerU speakers to learn more about the issue.

Patricia Martinez, a neuroscience freshman, and Andrea Reynolds, a linguistics senior, both said that the issue of hunger in the U.S. is one that is typically overlooked, because of the country’s image of a higher socio-economic status.

“I don’t think it comes up as an issue as much as it needs to be,” Martinez said. “I think pride has a lot to do with it. Most families don’t have the means to provide for their children and don’t reach out for help.”

If people can start out small and address the issue in their own communities, it will lead to a bigger impact in the future, Reynolds said. Although, she has not dealt with hunger-related issues, Reynolds said solutions begin with awareness.

“It’s definitely a major concern, but just like any other issue, it’s easier for people to look away,” Reynolds said. “But, people can start by ensuring their own communities are fed and it will influence others to do the same. It will create a dent toward the larger problem.”

The tour’s next stops will be in California, before starting a new tour on the East Coast next spring.

“It’s really inspiring to see people’s reactions,” Nye said. “A lot of us average people forget that we are considered wealthy in other parts of the world just by being able to … eat a few meals a day.”